Life in the public eye is weird. One minute you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, and the next, everyone is Googling your personal life like it’s a national security matter. If you’ve spent any time wondering who is Ashley Biden married to, you’ve probably seen the name Dr. Howard Krein pop up.
But honestly? Things just got complicated.
For over a decade, the answer was simple: Ashley Biden was married to Howard Krein, a high-flying Philadelphia plastic surgeon with enough degrees to make anyone feel undereducated. They were the "it" couple of the Biden clan—the social worker and the doctor who stayed out of the tabloids. Until they didn't. In August 2025, the news broke that Ashley Biden filed for divorce in Philadelphia. It felt like the end of an era for the family.
The Man Behind the Answer: Dr. Howard Krein
So, who is this guy? Howard Krein isn’t just some random doctor. He’s a double-board-certified otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon. Basically, he specializes in everything from the neck up. He works at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and acts as the Chief Medical Officer at StartUp Health.
The guy is busy. He has a PhD in cell and developmental biology and an MD. You've gotta wonder when he actually sleeps. He grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and he’s been a staple at Biden family functions for years. Even when Joe was Vice President, Howard was there, hovering in the background of official photos, looking like the supportive son-in-law he was.
How They Met (Thanks to Beau)
The story of how they met is actually kinda sweet, if a bit heavy. It was 2010. Ashley’s late brother, Beau Biden, was the matchmaker. Beau was actually in the hospital recovering from a minor stroke at the time. Howard was at the foot of the bed, and Ashley walked in, totally panicking about her brother.
According to Joe Biden himself, Howard later asked Beau for a setup.
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Ashley wasn't into it at first. She actually told her dad "he's alright" after the first date. But things moved fast after that. A year later, Howard was asking "Pop" (that’s what he calls Joe) for permission to marry her. He proposed on a cliff in Big Sur at sunset. Real cinematic stuff.
The 2012 Wedding and That Interfaith Ceremony
They got married on June 2, 2012. It wasn't some massive Hollywood production; it was a private, intimate affair in Wilmington, Delaware. They used the same church where Ashley was baptized—St. Joseph on the Brandywine.
What made it unique was the interfaith aspect. Ashley is Catholic, and Howard is Jewish. They had both a priest and a rabbi. There was a Chuppah, a Ketubah signing, and Howard even did the traditional breaking of the glass. Joe Biden was reportedly the one driving around on a John Deere 4-wheeler setting up the plants for the reception.
Why People Started Asking Questions
Being married to a Biden isn't all garden parties. Howard found himself in the middle of some "conflict of interest" chatter during the 2020 campaign.
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Because he was advising the Biden campaign on COVID-19 policy while also being a lead executive at a firm that invests in healthcare startups, people started raising eyebrows. It’s that classic D.C. headache: where does the family advice end and the business interest begin? Howard eventually stepped down from the Biden Cancer Initiative board to keep things clean.
The Shocking Divorce Filing in 2025
You've likely seen the headlines from late 2025. After 13 years, the marriage hit the rocks. Ashley filed for divorce in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
- Date of Filing: August 2025.
- The Vibe: Ashley posted to social media with songs like "Freedom Time," which isn't exactly subtle.
- The House: They lived in a million-dollar home in Society Hill, Philadelphia.
It was a surprise to many because Howard had been by her side just a month earlier when Joe Biden announced he wouldn't seek reelection. They looked like a united front in the Oval Office. Clearly, there was a lot going on behind the scenes that the public wasn't privy to.
The Impact on the Biden Family
The Bidens are notoriously tight-knit. Losing a son-in-law after fifteen years (including the dating years) is a big deal for them. Howard was particularly close to Beau, and that bond stayed strong even after Beau’s passing in 2015.
What Really Matters Now
When people ask who is Ashley Biden married to, they are usually looking for stability in the First Family's narrative. But life is messy. As of early 2026, Ashley is navigating a new chapter of independence. She’s still heavily involved in her social justice work and her fashion brand, Livelihood, which she started to honor Beau's legacy.
If you are following this story, keep an eye on the Philadelphia court records. While many details of the divorce remain private, the shift marks a significant change for a woman who has spent most of her adult life tied to both her father's political rise and her husband's medical career.
Next Steps for Following the Story:
Look for updates regarding the finalization of the divorce decree in Pennsylvania. You should also watch for Ashley's increased presence in solo philanthropic ventures, particularly those centered around criminal justice reform and women's rights, as she moves away from the shared "medical-political" branding of the last decade.